Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for identifying a pre-computed path for an incoming connection at a node in a policy-based routing network. The method comprises: examining requirements of the incoming connection; examining policies associated with routes available from the node; identifying at least one policy of the policies which meets the requirements of the incoming connection; and utilizing that one policy for the pre-computed path for the incoming connection.

Abstract: There is provided a method of forwarding a traffic flow in a communications network having at least one network node for which network traffic is selectively prevented from transiting the network node. The method includes the step of selecting a specified category of network traffic that is to be prevented from transiting the network node. The method also includes the step of determining a path within the network for forwarding the traffic flow, whereby the network node is excluded for transit in establishing the path where the traffic flow is identified with the specified category of network traffic.